August 12, 1930 - December 4, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
You could fit the number of folks who had a bad word to say about Francis Sabine into a single phone booth. A people person in the truest sense of the term, he was a well-known member of the community in Terrace, B.C., where he raised his family from the 70s to the mid-90s.
Gifted with the ability to make anyone feel comfortable in his presence, Francis had a huge smile, a deep laugh that came easily, a gentle manner, and an air of dignity and self-respect. I
n his retirement years, he was a popular substitute teacher at Skeena, Thornhill and Caledonia high schools, where his light West Indian accent would be mimicked to us, his kids, in the hallways. Thankfully, none of us had to endure the teenage horror of having him as a sub.
A founding member of the Kermode Friendship Society and a School Board Trustee, Francis was always there for those in need. He believed in community, education, and connection. Many times through our childhood he had friends and acquaintances over to "talk some heavy," helping them through difficult times.
When he wasn't spending time with his family or working, Francis could be found in the pool hall shooting snooker with his regular Thursday crew, playing in cribbage and bridge clubs, or reading quietly at home.
He passed his love of music and good times on to all of his children. Especially in his later years, he could not deny himself a little dance if there was music playing.
Francis John Sabine was born August 12, 1930, on the island of Trinidad and passed away peacefully at his care home in Vancouver on December 4 after living 25 years with Alzheimer's Disease.
The youngest of 4 children, Francis was adored by his three sisters. The family moved to Barbados when his father died earlier than he could remember. He had fond memories of island life and especially of school, where he excelled.
After graduating with various scholarship opportunities, he worked in civil service there until deciding to attend university in Canada. Landing in Toronto in the winter of 1956, he quickly realized it was too cold and moved to Vancouver. He made the city his home for many years, putting himself through a Master's degree in English at UBC while working nights as a psychiatric nurse at Riverview Hospital, and becoming an early supporter of the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Upon graduating he taught at UBC and BCIT before moving his young family to Terrace, where he helped to establish the drug and alcohol counseling center in 1976. When his contract ended in 1980, he moved on to the Northwest Community College as a career counselor where he remained until retiring in 1990. Moving back to Vancouver in 1995, Francis was a fixture around Commercial Drive, spending time with old friends and family, enjoying going out dancing, shooting pool, and playing chess through the wee hours.
Francis continued a close friendship with his wife Tonee after their separation and is also survived by his children Anthony (Marcia), Leesha, Nate (Elizabeth), Jonathan (Jessica), Lauren (Tynan) and his grandchildren Julian, Asher, Carolyn, Manuella and Francis.
Francis lived at Yaletown House for over 22 years where the staff provided exceptional care for him. If you would like to donate along with the Sabine family, you can do so here: https://www.yaletown.org/donate/ and will receive a tax receipt.
If you have any stories, thoughts to share or well wishes, please email them to francissabine1930@gmail.com
We would love to hear from you.